Treasures of Southern China
華南瑰寶

PORCELAIN, TULOU, PAGODAS, SHAOLI

Program Overview

This 10-day journey offers a fresh perspective on China, moving beyond the classic northern routes to highlight the charm of the south. Students explore several UNESCO World Heritage Sites and discover the origins of the Maritime Silk Road, where ancient temples, trading hubs, and religious relics are still carefully preserved amidst modern life.

Suggested Time

Feb — June
Oct — Dec

Group Size (6:1 Ratio)

12 Students
2 Chaperons

Suggested Ages

12 — 22

Program Highlights

STEP INTO UNESCO WONDERS

Maritime Silk Road: From Jingdezhen’s porcelain kilns to Quanzhou pagodas; from Tulou fortresses to Gulangyu Island’s coastal charm

EXPERIENCE LEARNING IN ACTION

Scavenger hunts, workshops, and Kungfu experience, and cultural exchanges beyond the classroom.

TRAVEL WITH PURPOSE

The MindX Program turns every stop into interactive learning resources that deepen students’ understanding of language and culture.

It helps them absorb insights from local guides while encouraging independent reflection and review. Each student takes home personalized materials—both a record of their learning and meaningful keepsakes that capture personal growth and the educational value of the journey.

Day 7, Nanjing tulou

Itinerary

Day	Highlights
1-2 Shanghai	Past and Future on the Bund Your journey begins in Shanghai, a city where ancient alleyways and soaring skyscrapers exist side by side. Students explore the elegant architecture of Yu Garden and the winding streets of Old Town, then cross the river to marvel at the modern skyline of Pudong, home to China’s tallest towers. Along the way, students visit world-class museums and enjoy hands-on language and culture workshops that prepare them for deeper engagement in the days ahead. A walk along The Bund and a cruise on the Huangpu River offer breathtaking views that frame Shanghai as both a symbol of China’s past and a gateway to its future.
3-4 Jingdezhen	Porcelain Capital of the World Next, students travel to Jingdezhen, China’s historic center of porcelain craftsmanship. Here, they dive into the world of ceramics through hands-on workshops, learning to shape, decorate, and fire their own pieces alongside local artisans. Visits to the Ancient Kiln Site and the Ceramic Museum connect students with the centuries-old techniques that once supplied China’s emperors and global trade routes. Through interactive sessions with local artists and visits to traditional porcelain markets, students come to see Jingdezhen not just as a city of history, but as a living center of artistic innovation.
5-7 Quanzhou	Martial Arts, Temples, and the Maritime Silk Road In Quanzhou, students engage in a three-day Kung Fu immersion program at a local school, where they train with masters and build cross-cultural friendships with Chinese peers. Beyond the training grounds, the city opens up as a living museum of the Maritime Silk Road, filled with multicultural legacies. At Kaiyuan Temple, students follow the footsteps of pilgrims and scholars while participating in an interactive Black Wukong game, uncovering hidden histories through playful storytelling. A visit to the South Shaolin Temple (南少林寺) offers deeper insight into martial arts traditions and Buddhist practice. A day trip to the Fujian Tulou, the massive earth-built homes of Hakka communities, provides a window into ancient Chinese communal living and architectural ingenuity.
8-10 Xiamen	Coastal Charm and Cultural Reflection The journey ends in Xiamen, a picturesque coastal city known for its relaxed rhythm and blend of tradition and modernity. Students explore Gulangyu Island, stroll through peaceful temples, and reflect on their experience while hiking up Wulao Mountain for sweeping views of the city. At the Overseas Chinese Museum, they learn how generations of migrants shaped both China and the world. A final night filled with local food and a sense of accomplishment brings closure to two weeks of immersive learning.

Options

Begin or end journey in Beijing, with 1–2 days to explore its historic and cultural treasures — from the Forbidden City and the Great Wall to enriching cultural exchange experiences.
Kung Fu Immersion
Stay two extra nights at a Kung Fu school to train, live, and experience martial arts culture first-hand.
Sports & Innovation
Add one more day in Xiamen to tour China’s top sports brand headquarters and join fun, interactive brand experiences.